Overview
- EU member states endorsed the EU‑Mercosur trade agreement by qualified majority on January 9 despite France’s opposition, with Poland, Hungary and Ireland also voting no.
- The European Commission is preparing to sign the pact as early as Monday in Paraguay, with possible provisional application ahead of a European Parliament ratification vote and potential Court of Justice referrals.
- Farmer mobilizations continue with blockades and road slowdowns after the Council vote, including actions in Paris and Strasbourg, and further demonstrations are being planned.
- Political fallout is intensifying as both the Rassemblement national and La France insoumise file motions of censure against Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, with a vote expected next week and warnings of possible dissolution if the government falls.
- France’s government has notified unions of an additional €300 million support package while producers warn of pressure from new import quotas, including 99,000 tonnes of beef over six years and 180,000 tonnes of poultry over five years.